Scabies: A comprehensive review and current perspectives

Dermatol Ther. 2020 Jul;33(4):e13746. doi: 10.1111/dth.13746. Epub 2020 Jul 6.

Abstract

Human scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. It is a common skin disease worldwide that occurs not only in the underprivileged sections of society but also in developed countries. In 2009, World Health Organization (WHO) recognized scabies as "neglected tropical disease (NTD)" or NTD thus emphasizing the need for community awareness and proper treatment strategies. This review attempts to summarize the varied clinical presentation of the disease and describes the advances in diagnosis and management including the ongoing search for novel agents to overcome the problems associated with conventional treatments. The literature research includes peer-reviewed articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) till February 2020 and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles published in English language were included.

Keywords: Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis; scabies; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Sarcoptes scabiei
  • Scabies* / diagnosis
  • Scabies* / drug therapy
  • Scabies* / epidemiology
  • Skin Diseases*